The mounting pile of research affirming the health benefits of coffee — particularly in mitigating issues commonly associated with aging — has grown even taller, as researchers have discovered a correlation between coffee consumption and reductions in inflammation associated with numerous chronic diseases.

Published yesterday in the journal Nature Medicine,a multiyear study led by Stanford University researchers focused on blood sample analysis, survey data and medical histories of more than 100 people, finding a potential explanation for why coffee drinkers tend to live longer on average than non coffee drinkers.

“That something many people drink — and actually like to drink — might have a direct benefit came as a surprise to us,” said Mark Davis, a senior author of the study, noting that it did not provide a causal link. “What we’ve shown is a correlation between caffeine consumption and longevity. And we’ve shown more rigorously, in laboratory tests, a very plausible mechanism for why this might be so.”

The researchers note loads of scientific evidence suggesting that the vast majority of noncommunicable diseases associated with aging — including many cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and even depression — are actually the result of chronic inflammation.

This study notes that coffee may be a pathway to reducing a chronic inflammatory process that occurs in some, but not all, older people. “It’s also well-known that caffeine intake is associated with longevity,” said the study’s lead author, David Furman. “Many studies have shown this association. We’ve found a possible reason for why this may be so.”

Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. Feedback and story ideas are welcome at publisher (at) dailycoffeenews.com, or see the "About Us" page located at the bottom of this site for contact information.